Sermons

Thought - The Mind, Wisdom

THE IMPRACTICAL LIFE “Thought – The Mind, Wisdom”

Pastor Scott Oas | 05.15.16

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” - Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV)

THE WISDOM OF PROVERBS“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.” - Proverbs 11:22 (NIV)

THREE STYLES OF WRITING:

1) There are LAWS. - these are commands that I’m always supposed to do.

2) There are PROMISES. - this is a guarantee of what God will do or what will happen.

3) There are PROVERBS. - a proverb is a catchy description of the way things generally are.

B. PROVERBS CAN BE CONFUSING.“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” - Proverbs 26:4-5 (NIV)

C. PROVERBS REQUIRE USING THEM WITH DISCRETION.“Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.” - Proverbs 26:9 (NIV)

THE MIND OF GOD

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” - Romans 8:5-6 (NIV)

GOING DEEPER

SCRIPTURE READING: Proverbs 1:1-7

GETTING STARTED:

Who would people say are some of the smartest people of all time? Recall a time when you felt smart, not so smart?

A CLOSER LOOK:

Read Proverbs 1:1-7.

1. According to Proverbs 1:1-3, what are key reasons the Lord has given us the Book of Proverbs? What do you think this means?

2. How can we become increasingly proficient in “wise behavior?”

"I have more understanding than all my teachers, because your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts." - Psalm 119:99-100

3. According to Proverbs 1:4a, the Book of Proverbs has been given with the intention that “the naïve may receive prudence.” How does Proverbs define “the naïve?” See Proverbs 14:15a How does it define “prudence?” See Proverbs 14:15b.

"The naïve believes every word, but a prudent man carefully considers his steps." - Proverbs 14:15

4. According to Proverbs 1:4b (printed below), what does the Book of Proverbs offer the young man? How would you explain this?

“…so that the young man may gain knowledge and discretion” - Proverbs 1:4b

DIGGING DEEPER:

1. What is “the motto,” or overarching principle, presented in the Book of Proverbs? See Proverbs 1:7.

"The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction." - Proverbs 1:7

2. What does 1 Peter 1:17 and 1 John 4:18 (printed below) teach us about the relationship between fearing the Lord and loving the Lord as our heavenly Father?

“And if you call upon the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, live your remaining time on earth in fear” - 1 Peter 1:17

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear relates to punishment. The man who fears is not made perfect in love.” - 1 John 4:18

3. How can fear & love be complemented in your relationship with God this week?